The state of Florida has always been an important area for the Ohio State football program and that should only increase with the hire of Urban Meyer. Meyer and his staff are already identifying some of the top junior talent in the state and recently the Buckeyes extended a verbal offer to Tampa (Fla.) Wharton standout Vernon Hargreaves III. The 5-foot-10, 177-pound cornerback is among the elite junior prospects in the Sunshine State.

"I was really surprised because I hadn't heard anything from them," said Hargreaves. "My coach told me that their coach (running backs coach Stan Drayton) came down last Friday and offered me. I was really excited."

Meyer is well respected in the state of Florida for his accomplishments during his time in Gainesville and he has the full attention of Hargreaves.

"I know he's a great coach," he said. "He wins games and he wins national championships. I don't know anything about him personally but I'd love to play for him."

Hargreaves is racking up an early offer list that is as impressive as any you will find as the lockdown defender boasts verbal offers from the likes of Florida, Florida State, Miami (FL), Notre Dame, and South Florida. The early offers from such big-time programs have been a humbling experience.

"It was really surprising at first," Hargreaves said. "My Dad just told me that I should stay humble and let it happen and don't over think it and just go wherever makes you happy and wherever is the best fit."

Early on, it's an SEC power that Hargreaves has at the top of his list.

"I definitely like Florida," he said. "I like their coaching staff and their facilities. They're always talking to me on facebook and keeping in touch with me."

All of Hargreaves' offers are at corner right now but he also plays some wide receiver at the high school level. The talented athlete assessed his strengths and weaknesses as a player.

"My strengths are knowing what's going to happen in the game, like my decision-making," he said. "I'm a situational player. Since I'm playing both ways now, I'm working on my route-running and catching the ball in traffic."